Zil K. Modi

The construction and operation of type IV pili impose a variable energetic burden across phylogenetically distant bacteria

The paper quantifies the energetic cost of type IV pili (T4P) construction and operation across bacterial species, finding significant variation in energy investment.

Pil-Chp orchestrates a multi-level regulatory system to control type IV pilus dynamics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The paper identifies how the Pil-Chp system regulates type IV pilus dynamics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by modulating cAMP levels and affecting fiber length, count, and extension rate.

Rapid activation of dormant type IV pili enables a dispersal-infection tradeoff in environments with fluctuating nutrients

This study shows Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses energy-dependent T4P idling to balance dispersal and infection in fluctuating nutrient environments.

Type IV pilus length determines virulence by regulating a hidden subpopulation of non-contributing filaments

This study shows that pilus length in Pseudomonas aeruginosa determines virulence by revealing a hidden subpopulation of non-contributing filaments and shows extension dynamics, not retraction force, as the key constraint.

Flow rapidly replenishes scarce nutrients to promote bacterial growth

This study shows that flow replenishes nutrients for bacterial growth at low concentrations, challenging traditional lab culture methods.

Fluid flow overcomes antimicrobial resistance by boosting delivery

This study shows that fluid flow enhances antimicrobial delivery to overcome resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by outcompeting bacterial neutralization mechanisms.